Horses

Competitive long-distanc e riding tests the stamina of both horse and rider.

Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to improve the emotional, and in turn the physical wellness of the animal being treated.

In part one (Farmer's Weekly, 25 May 2007), Art McDonald told us the secret of an “ideal horse” was the balance of its proportions. In the second article, based on an interview published in American Horse and Rider 30 years ago, Diane C Simmons found out how McDonald used a computer program he developed to improve his breeding.

It is not uncommon to find a horse that bolt s its feed. This means that it eats so fast that it hardly chews or breathes.

Riders must choose a bit to suit their young horse's shape and development.

Various factors can contribute to resistance in your horse - the bit is not necessarily always the problem. Issue date 15 June 2007

The best time to start feeding a foal is two months before weaning. Once a foal has been weaned it is up to you to provide it with a good diet. Issue date 8 June 2007

Facial paralysis is a fairly common ailment in horses. The paralysis of the facial nerve can be slight or very dramatic. If treated immediately it normally can be reversed

Around a joint or tendon is a capsule or sheath that produces synovial fluid, which acts as lubrication. If the capsule is damaged by percussion or overstretching, it produces extra synovial fluid. This then makes the capsule bulge. This bulge is called a windgall.
Issue Date: 30 March 2007

A splint is a bony growth that forms on the inside edge of the splint bone between the splint bone and the cannon bone. It is the result of tearing of the ligaments between the bone, which causes inflammation and eventually a small bony growth.
Issue Date: 23 March 2007

Lameness is probably the most common cause of concern amongst horse owners. There are many and varied reasons for a horse pulling up lame.
Issue Date 16 March 2007

The skin is the largest organ of body. It is very important to keep your horse's coat as clean as possible. Protect your horse's eyes from fly-borne infections with a natural fly repellent or fly fringe. There are many disorders that affect the skin